Mataram, March 17, 2022. PT XL Axiata Tbk (XL Axiata) is fully ready to provide 5G services to make the MotoGP race at the Mandalika Circuit, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, 18-20 March 2022, a success. Various preparations in the field have been completed, and as of March 18, 2022, the data and the super-fast internet services can already be accessed by customers using a 5G smartphone. This 5G service from XL Axiata will be accessible at a number of points around the Mandalika Circuit and is completely free of charge.
In general, XL Axiata's efforts in deploying a 5G network in Mandalika are delivered in two objectives, namely 5G Experience and 5G Showcase. For the 5G Experience, the frequency band used is 3.5 MHz at 5G access points prepared around the circuit that will reach the VVIP area and several regional grandstand locations where race spectators, journalists and broadcasters, support teams, and MotoGP event work units gather.
Director & Chief Technology Officer of XL Axiata, I Gede Darmayusa said, "A series of 5G XL Axiata trials we have carried out with the 3.5GHz spectrum has shown satisfactory results. Therefore, currently, the XL Axiata's 5G network is fully ready to support the Mandalika MotoGP as well as introduce this super-fast data and internet access service to the public, including foreign guests attending this international event. For XL Axiata, this momentum is also an excellent means for us to increase our experience in managing the 5G network.”
To enjoy XL Axiata's 5G Experience service, visitors must ensure that the smartphone they use supports the fifth-generation cellular network in the 3.5 GHz frequency band and that their SIM card is a uSIM. Meanwhile, through this 5G deployment, visitors will be able to experience a true 5G experience, which can present several advantages over 4G networks, including higher data rates, lower latency, and more connection density than 4G.
Meanwhile, for the purposes of the 5G Showcase, XL Axiata will present several demo or use case services using the 26 GHz frequency band, including 5G immersive games and experiences such as MotoGP AR Game, 360 Degree Real-time Security Surveillance, and 5G 8K Entertainment. The public and XL Axiata customers can try these interesting demos at the XL Axiata 5G Showcase Booth. In the same place, customers can easily get services such as new card registration, internet package list, and information about XL Axiata products.
Network improvement throughout Lombok
XL Axiata is aggressively improving the quality of its 4G network in the Mandalika area and throughout Lombok. On the 4G network, XL Axiata has prepared additional network capacity and coverage at several points around the Mandalika area, including the use of the latest Massive MIMO technology and the addition of up to 9 Mobile BTS (MBTS) at hotspot points and regional access points, in order to ensure the smooth running of internet activities for visitors, communities and work units in the area.
XL Axiata services are present in 54 districts and five regencies/cities in Lombok. In total, there are more than 4,000 BTS throughout Lombok, with 1,700 of them being 4G BTS. The number of 4G BTS will continue to increase considering that currently XL Axiata is still expanding in all regencies in Lombok.
In some of the most popular tourist areas in Lombok, XL Axiata also specifically ensures the quality of the data network. XL Axiata has prepared 5 4G BTS in Sembalun, 1 BTS in the Mount Rinjani and Segara Anak Lake areas, 1 4G BTS at Pink Beach of East Lombok, 7 4G BTS in Gili Trawangan, 1 4G BTS in Sade Village, 11 4G BTS in Sengigi, and 3 4G BTS in Narmada. At the same time, to support the needs of Mataram as the biggest and busiest city, XL Axiata operates 149 BTS. Meanwhile, XL Axiata has operated 3 4G BTS at Lombok Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport and 2 4G BTS Lembar Port.
At present, XL Axiata's network for the NTB area is supported by more than 5,700 BTS, including more than 2,200 4G BTS. XL Axiata's 4G LTE network also continues to be expanded, and XL Axiata continues to invest in fiber networks, transmission, backhaul, network modernization, and various other network upgrades to improve stability, network capacity, and service quality along with the continued increase in data service traffic.
In addition to setting up a network throughout Lombok, XL Axiata has also prepared many product options that can be utilized by the community to support their productivity. Presently, there are product promos that can be used by customers and the public in Lombok to access data services on the 4.5G network, namely the XL Xtra Combo Flex internet starter card starting from 2.5 GB-56 GB for 30 days and also the AXIS internet starter pack starting from 1.5 GB - 22 GB with 30 GB TikTok Bonus, Unlimited Games, Whatsapp, Line, Gojek, Grab, Facebook, Instagram, Google maps, Conference & Education to support online learning and working from home. There is also a FREE choice of Unlimited YouTube, Netflix, Vidio, Viu & Iflix packages specifically for customers who purchase the XL Xtra Combo Flex package of 40Gb and above.
To ensure that it is easy for the public and customers to obtain XL Axiata products, both XL and AXIS, XL Axiata ensures that people can directly visit credit shops that provide XL Axiata products to get them. These shops spread out to districts and villages that are already covered by XL Axiata services.
Currently, XL Axiata has more than 57.9 million subscribers, strengthened by more than 162 thousand BTS, including more than 77 thousand 4G BTS. XL Axiata's 4G LTE network also continues to be expanded, and it has reached more than 458 cities/regencies in various regions in Indonesia. XL Axiata also continues to invest in fiber networks, transmission, backhaul, network modernization, and various other network upgrades to improve stability, network capacity, and data service quality in line with the continued increase in data service traffic.